THE ALLAN FOX COLLECTION OF ONE CENT BLUE 1851 ISSUE

While the Scott catalog classifies this as the "Reprint" small die proof in a "new" design, this proof provides further evidence that at least several of the denominations (specifically the 1c, 5c, 10c and 12c) were not new designs at all, but were created from the original dies - in this case the rare complete design Scott #5. The proof offered here shows the distinctive two small dots below the "C" of "CENTS", which is only found on proofs from the original dies. By all rights, this enormously rare proof should be classified as a Panama-Pacific small die proof of Scott #5. As such, this is an essential proof item for the serious exhibitor or collector of the 1851 One Cent issue. (Image)

An enormously rare and highly desirable combination pair containing one of the most important and sought-after rarities in all of United States philately. One position, the legendary position 7R1E, provides the philatelic world with the only full Type I design as originally intended, a characteristic no other One Cent Imperforate displays. It is believed that only about 100 examples of this rarity still exist. The Type Ib, which shows the design nearly complete, comes from only six positions on plate 1 early, two of which (positions 6R1E and 8R1E) are the best examples of the type. Very few combination pairs such as this exist. In fact, according to the Wagshall census, this combination pair is one of only six known off cover, plus there are two combination strips of three.

Of the six confirmed existing pairs, only this pair is completely free of any faults. All other combination pairs have small faults to some degree. Furthermore, none of the other existing combination pairs or strips possess margins of the overall size and width this spectacular pair possesses. While the lovely combination pair known as the "Morris" pair (lot #56, September 26, 1997, Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc.) has been offered in the past as the finest off-cover multiple containing Ty. I (crossed red "PAID" cancels, with small surface scrapes in the top margin), we believe that all students of the issue will agree with our assertion that the pair offered here from the Fox collection justifiably takes the "title" of the finest known combination pair. Its margins are a bit larger, its color is even more intense and, most importantly of all, it is completely fault free. Either pair would be a pleasure to own.

This magnificent pair is being offered for the first time in nearly 25 years, having been one of the key highlights of the James O. Hewitt collection sold by Steve Ivy Philatelic Auctions, Inc. in May of 1986. Accompanied by a 1983 PF certificate as a strip of three (position 8R1E at the right having been removed); ex-Worthington (as a strip of three) and Hewitt (as a pair). (Image)

The small "PAID" in grid cancel of Boston is very scarce on any One Cent Blue imperforate, as it was in use for only approximately three weeks in 1851 according to Neinken (see page 80). Those in red are particularly elusive and desirable. This being the only recorded use of this cancel in red with the 1851 One Cent on cover. (Image)